Religion Is (or Was) an Adaptation
Matt J. Rossano
Oxford University Press eBooks May 5, 2010 DOI: 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195385816.003.0007 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that religion was a cultural adaptation whose earliest form, shamanism, promoted healing by fostering placebo effects through confidence in healing power, suggestible mental states, and strong social support. Reviews evidence that religion still has positive effects on psychological and physical health, longevity, and reproductive success. |
Abstract
Chapter 7 argues that religion was a cultural adaptation. In its earliest form, religion was shamanism. A primary focus of shamanistic rituals was to bring about community and individual healing. Shamanism accomplished this by creating conditions that made placebo healing likely to occur. Shamanism brought together three important factors known to enhance placebo effects: confidence in healing power, highly suggestible mental states, and strong social support networks. Empirical evidence is reviewed supporting the notion that even today, religion continues to have positive effects on psychological and physical health, longevity, and reproductive success.